Season on an all-time high

Hearts looked threatening on the counter, teasing a number of freekicks from the Celtic defence in promising positions. Alexandros Tziolis came close to giving the visitors the lead from one of them in the 27th minute. It was played short to him by Johnsen and the Greek midfielder’s sweetly struck shot rose just over.

Celtic gradually worked up a head of steam which was sufficient to place Hearts on the back foot for a sustained spell for the first time. It took a terrific reaction save from Noring to prevent Dedryck Boyata putting the hosts in front when he connected with a Griffiths corner from close range.

But Hearts, who came close again from a set piece just before the interval when Johnsen’s effort drifted wide of Craig Gordon’s left-hand post, would have felt the more contented side going into the dressing rooms at half-time.

Rodgers didn’t waste any time making a change, starting the second half with midfielder Tom Rogic on in place of right-back Cristian Gamboa. ed celebration. But when the smoke cleared, Celtic illuminated the afternoon with their landmark 106th league goal of the season.

Griffiths burrowed his way down the right and delivered a cross the Hearts defence were unable to clear. The ball broke into the path of Armstrong who drove his shot high into the net.

Boyata flashed a header just wide as Celtic looked to finish with a flourish but Hearts, to their credit, remained competitive and committed to attack. They were unfortunate not to pull a goal back when Johnsen’s header hit a post, before Gordon made a brilliant save to deny substitute Malaury Martin.

“It wasn’t a vintage display by Rodgers’ side yesterday by any means, but that was of little consequence in the greater scheme of things on an occasion when the Celtic support came to celebrate the ruthlessly consistent efficiency Rodgers has brought to their club”